w 




'Q) 



Fragrant 



Memories. 



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OB, 



Hi 



I of a liaiiii leaf s : 



i';[6o-i86o. 



ji recall of ifie ^ead of t?ie First Century oj the 

Town of ^dmherst, JV, S., read at the 

Centennial, May 30, 7860, 



EQWJlIiQ Q. SO YL81 OJT. 



AMHERST, (N. H.) 

THE farmers' cabinet PRESS. 

1881. 



'J*- 






Through the shadowy past,, 
ti.ike a tomb-searcher, memory ran, 
Litling each shroud tliat time had cast.. 

CAMPBELL.. 



Over these scenes my memoi-y wakes» 
And fondly broods with miser care ? 

Time the impression deeper makes 
As streams their channels deeper wear. 

B.URNS. 



And thus, as in memory's bark we shalt ^ide 
To visfit the scenes uifomi- boyhood anew. 
Though oft we may see, looking down on the tide. 
The wreck of full many a hope shining through : 
Yet still, as in fancy we point to the flowers, 
That once made a garden of all the gay shore, 
Deceiv'd for the moment, we will still think them ours. 
And breathe the fresh air of life's morning once more.. 



ANON. 






'^- 



—^ 







w 



To (grandson) William Boylston Rotch, 



who kindly volunteered as pressman, 



this little work is affectionately 



dedicated, with best wishes 



of the Author. 







-S^?^S=wr»_75^ «F>rg:^y^ . ■ 



Thk original Grant of this Township was made in the name of 
"Narea(;ansett No. Three," although it continued to be more 
generally known as "Sovhegan West" until its Incorporation, 
ITOO, when it took its present name, from Lord Jett'ery Amherst, 
a British ( )fficer, whose star was just then in the ascendant. 



Sntrobucton), 



A score of years and one have passed since Amherst observed 
the Centennial of its Incorporation. It was the intention of the 
Town and of its large and well-chosen Committee, that the occa- 
sion should be observed. in a manner worthy of the high standing 
of this venerable township, and that should afford a rich feast for 
the host of sons and daugliters from afar, who should gather m 
the "old home" for its enjoyment. But a succession of events, 
entirely Providential and beyond control, marked it unsuccessful. 
The talented orator selected for the occasion, at a late day, an- 
nounced that his history would be general, and not "what he 
knew" of Amherst; others, next in prominence in this depart- 
ment, appeared only by letter ; while not a few gifted sons pres- 
ent were put to silence as "the Most High uttered His voice." 

In view of this unanticipated and unavoidable juncture, at the 
urgent request of the Committee, (forty-eight hours previous to 
the opening of the exercises,) the Secretary undertook the task 
of grouping the dead of a century, and as the result, at the open- 
ing in the afternoon, read these "Fragb.\nt Memories," which 
now, by the same hand, at eight and three-score, for personal 
occupation in leisure hours, and their fund of incident, without 
the least pretence to other merit, are privately submitted to the 
"art preservative." 



— M^s^-gs^^ — 






Tlic'sif '•Meiiioi-Ies" wei-c I'wul in response to the .sentiment : — 
"The IMk.mory of tiik Dki'akted Fathers,- — evek dear, evkk 

(niEKISHEl)." 




_4. 







— MS^s^g??^*©^^ — 



Wk c'(»jie, we come, in iije;isia-e meet. 

On tliits our first Centenniiil, 
Theilead of a hundred years to iireet. 

A century's memories to recMll. 

If pagan GreelvS from Muses blind 
Sought inspiration for tlieir verse. 

HoAV fitting we should seek tu tiiid 
Divinely aid in our reliearse. 

Our coming and our purpose bless i 
Smile on the day, benignant Heaven ; 

And may the gr^xce of truthfulness. 
In fitting garb, to us be given. 

'I'he memory of the fathei's sweet, 

Yea, sweeter than the breath of tlovver)' 

Conies floating on the breeze to greet 
Our hearts in these Centennial hmu-s. 

The EARLIER fathers sleep in peai^e 
In yonder burial at the east ; 

And soon their monuments will cease 
To tell of those who 'ncatli them re^^r 



-^ 



FK.4.GKANT MEMORIES. 



The hand that lays tlie fathers low. 
Must e'en from memory take the name 

Of those who psiss away and show 
No higher record of their fame. 

Marble soon crumbles into dust. 
But deeds of valor and of love 

Live in immortal freshness must. 
Because they have their birth above. 

OvR fathers who have gone to rest, 
Asleeping their last sleep are found 

Where, stretching to the north and west. 
Holt's verdant meadow spreads around. 

It seems but yesterday we laid 

The first pale sleeper there to rest ; 

.\nd scarce a score of years have made 
For an enlargement stern request. 

The names of many cherished friends 
Its monuments already show ; 

.\nd soon; (how soon !) t'will be our lot 
Their silence and repose to know. 



The Blessed Dead ! — in peace they sleep, 
Our hearts shall green theii- memory keep. 
The occasion summons thick and fast 
The names we've cherished in the past. 
At quickened memory's stern command. 
From out their graves, a motley band 
Rise and in thought before me throng. 
Claiming a mention in my song, 
Of those, of more or less renown. 
Once dwellers in this ancient town. 



-^ 



FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 



Many who sought, in tlie earnest of life. 
Fields more inviting and harvests more rife. 
Their harvest-days o'er, themselves garnered. 
Sleep their last sleep in uur homes for the dead. 
How oft our hearts have been draped in gloom, 
As they have come hack to tenant the tomh ! 
Well, it is kindly, if die our friends must. 
For Heaven to fiivor us with their dust. 
Come back, beloved, when life's work is done, 
And with us rest, by our sweet setting sun. 

And now to the task of calling Death's roll— 
Our list is a long one, but far from whole. 
With the dead of the pulpit 'twill be pleasing to all 
To commence this long and strange roll-call. 

The first hither called the Word to proclaim. 
Was from Mi ddleton— Daniel Wilkiks by name ; 
A man of fine mind, who, from a free heart, 
For a little pay did much truth impart. 
Compelled for support to wield ax and pen. 
He humbled the forests as well as the men. 
Bat for him "Narragansctt Number Three," 
Through tear of the foe would have ceased to be. 
His house, a garrison, where watch was kept 
In turn by the settlers, while th' others slept. 
In "Upper Flanders" it stood — stands there still — 
The old Henchman house, east side of the hill. 
When the Sabbath came he would .shoulder his gun. 
And bear it to Cliurch, as did then every one. 
There ar-med he stood, his charge well to keep, 
With charge for the foe, and charge for the sheep. 
His glasses, which sole-leather bows did grace. 
Were kept by a string securely in place ; 
But the eyes that peered those glasses through 
Glistened with a zeal for the Master true ; 



10 KEAGBAXT MEMORIES. 

And their uwiier w;if< ileai-ly beloved hy all 

AVlio came up to worship, or shared his call. 

A strange sight now such a pastor as that, 

With breeches, long stockings and three-cornered hat, 

And his Bible, psalm book, powder-horn, gun, — 

From such affrighted our children would run ! 

When time had so weakened his powers of mind 

That memory failed him the ritual to tind, 

The old settlers all as one did agree 

That no one coiild marry as well as he : 

So still they sought him, and when he forgot 

A prompter would aid him in tying the knot I 

His ministry lasted through forty-two years. 

And they laid him to rest with many warm tears ; 

While the town erected a monument meet 

O'er him whose memory was so sweet ; 

And cheerfully granted, the rest of her life. 

Annuity to his most excellent wife. 

When Pastor "Wilkins had become too old 
Longer the good Woi-d of Life to ixnfold, 
The Town and the Church, with much harmony. 
Asked one Bi.ydexbvrgu his colleague to be ; 
With salary of one hundred pounds 
If he would settle within their bounds. 
But, for reason we may never know. 
He gave them for an answer — "No." 
They next invited one Edmund Foster, 
A worthy man, to become their pastor ; 
But he went to Littleton ; and in '79 
The Town and Church sought to combine. 
And after a long struggle, full of ire. 
From Bolton called one Jeremiah — 
(A pi'ophet true, but of lesser fame 
Than Hilkiah's son,) — Barnard by name. 
His settlement to be in pounds nine score. 
His annual salary eighty-four 



FKAGRAXT MEMOEIES. 11 



Until the war should be over, and then 

Tli'j annual pounds to be increased ten. 

A man of good talent and ardent mind, 

Religion and patriotism ho combined ; 

Though sometimes, if records are honest and true. 

His politics came too plainly to view, 

And his sermons and his prayers Sabbath days 

Were little too much in partizan ways. 

For this he was once severely reproved 

By the parish in which as pastor he moved. 

And requesteil when going to say his prayers 

To leave his party at the foot of the stairs ! 

In doctrine he of Armenius savored, 

And under his teaching good many wavei'ed. 

He owned a nice farm on top Christian Hill, 

And tilled his land, his flock feed with skill. 

He served as pastor hnlf century and moi'e. 

And went tu his rest at five and fourscore. 

In seventeen eighty, the Northwest Parish 
John Bruce as pastor elected to cherish. 
He served them years one score and four. 
And ceased his toil at jtwelve two score. 
In his youth as "good Mr. Bruce" he was known, 
That goodness through all his ministry shone. 
One cold Sabbath morn, as his fond people came 
To hear him the way to Heaven proclaim. 
Death, (fold as the morn, as he went on his search. 
Took "good Mr. Bruce" to a much higher Church. 

Nor should we pass one "to the manor born," 
The young pastor of Gloucester, Levi H.vrtshor.n, 
A servant of God beloved and well-read, 
Who came home to die, and sleeps with our dead. 
All said that "the godly man ceaseth" when 
Tliev laid him to rest at one score and ten. 



] 2 FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 



With the dead of the pulpit 1 linger no more, 
But call the dead of the long pew before. 
The eai'ly Deacons to us were unknown, 
But tenderly loved by those who are gone : 
Cochrane, and Baldwin, and Wilkins, Boiitell, 
HoBBS, of whom we have some things to tell, 
LovE.JOY, Barker, first Seaton and Elliot, 
To know was to love and never forget. 
Deacons Seaton and Elliot of later days 
Were elders worthy of all praise ; 
Nor less so Deacons Hartshorn, Downe, 
And Parker, worthy a jeweled crown. 
Such dust as this we love to guard. 
It is richly redolent of reward, 
And sweet it will be from where it lies 
To hear ovir summons to arise. 

And now, th' archer who loves a shining mark. 
Is stealing around, as in the dark, 
For other two ciders, who long have stood 
With those departed, as true and good : 
Spaulding, physician of body and soul. 
With us to-day, but fast nearing the goal ; 
And Eastman, modest, Christly one, 
Whose sands of life are well nigh run. 

Pardon the sin, if sin it is. 
To speak in rhyme of a deacon's phiz. 
I do as you may do by me 
When I am gone, to speak thus free 
Of a worthy one, whose nasal part 
Was capacious as his loving heart. 
Surely 1 need not ask leave to rej^eat 
What happened once when in their seat 
The I'ecusant choir failed to bear 
Their part, just after the morning prayer : 



FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 



13 



Good Deacon S arose in his place. 

Regardful of duty rather than grace. 

And cried out in a voice sonorous and free, 

"Let us all rise and sing Barby !" 

And from his nasal trumpet came 

A sound that put that choir to shame. 

Congregational music thus installed 

Is now in vogue all over the Avorld. 

Of these first settlers one called must be 
Who largely honored old "Number Three." 
Humphrey Hobbs, a Deacon, and Captain too, 
For praying and fighting was equally true. 
As tradition has it, one Sabbath morn 
Indians were lurking about in the corn. 
Thinking that the settlers would fear to fight 
On the Sabbath, as 'twould not be right ! 
But the Deacon rallied the men of "old Three," 
And quickly the "red skins" had to flee. 
Some of the Indians fell in the strife. 
But not one of the settlers lost his life. 
Ever after'the Indians used to say : 
"Deacon Hobbs no good, he fight Sabba' day !" 

The dead of the pews 'twere hopeless to name 
Except the men of exceptional fame. 
Time only permits to speak of a few • 
Of these in our grave-yards, old and new. 
Or, peacefully sleeping their last, long sleep, 
In other enclosures, or in the deep. 
Or, fighting their Country's battles fell, 
Of whose sepulture no monuments tell. 

Where .sleep the men who were the first to see 
The dangers and toils of old "Number Three?" 
Where repose the mothers, so worthy and true, 
Who shared trials and dangers not a few ? 



1 4 FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 

For oft we have hear.l the elder Campbell relate 
IIiiw h's worthy, gool wife did once berate. 
And with much peril and pluck, I trow, 
Drive oiF a bear that was fi:;hting the sow ! 

Where sleep the men who early went tortli 
8 'outing for foes, who lurked west and north ? 
And the trusty men that with brave Goft'c went 
Canada-wards, on its conquest intent ? 
Or the noble company that for Lexington 
Left in the night when the first blood did run ? 
Tlie true men who for that war volunteered, 
And at Charlestown, Rh. Island and N. Y. appeared, 
Or, at Bennington, unler Bradford and Nichols. 
Wiiere brave men fell as grain before sickles ? 
Ah ! stern men they were, and men very brave, 
\ri'l well now they fill a patriot's grave. 
Men who far sooner than forfeit the right 
AVould venture their lives in the deadly fight. 
Their proul declaration, ne'er dishonored, survives. 
Pledging their fortunes, their honors and lives, 
Firm by each other undaunted to stand. 
And drive the enemy from the land ! 
Captain Baldwin leads, and proved his word 
When Colonel at New York in battle he rode. 
Then follow Moses Nichols, of Bennington fome, 
JosiAH Crosby, a most wortliy name, 
Who led our brave band to Bunker's height, 
And shared with them its bloody fight — 
Of whom was brave Kendall, who used to go 
By the honored title of "Bunker Joe," 
And used to say, when his powder was gone 
He asked a red-coat to fill up his horn ! 
Peter Robinson, too, who his right arm gave 
His pledged promise and his land to save. 
Wliat a proud roll that ! two hundred and one ! 



fea(;eant jiejiobies. 



^Vell done, old Amherst, well done ! well dene ! 
Of the men thus pledged well nigh two score 
Shouldered the musket and marched to the war ! 
Save old Londonderry, no town in the State 
Of votei's enrolled proportion as great. 
Ah, where are ye sleeping, ye honored and brave ? 
0, whei-e ? for we Mould cherish each grave : 
But if from our knoAvledge a kind Heaven keep, 
The spot where in death these brave soldiers sleep. 
May it grant to us, to posterity too. 
The mantles of sires so noble and true. 

Where is Colonel Crocker and the men he enrolled 
In '12 and '18 ? Most the grave doth enfold. 
AVhere are the men of "Old East" and "Old West," 
And "Lafayette Rifles, the "Bloody Fifth's best. 
The gaily dressed "troopers" who prancingly rode 
And oft on the Plain their gleaming swords showed. 
And the men of the big artillery. 
Colonel Jones and his aids — where they ? where he ? 
Ah, most of these soldiers have met that foe 
From whom unccnquered no soldier can go. 
Their battles all fought, their train'ng all o"er. 
They have passed on to that peaceful shore 
Where wars and rumors of war are unknown. 
And there in love they "go marching on." 

With those who have lived in the service of law 
Mortals love not close encounter to draw. 
But old Father Time, ^Yith his scythe and spade. 
Even of a lawyer is never afraid ! 
From the ranks of the law on Death's roll appear 
Many bright jewels gathered here : 
Athertons — Joshua, Charles H., Chari.es G., 
Attornies, civilians, a brilliant three. 
Parsons, Daxa, Gordon and Everett, 
In the crotchets of law a fine quartette, — 



Ifi 



FKAGBANT :MEM0RIES. 



Uie laKt, the lad the first to declaim 
'llu/se words ot w( nd'rous, world-wide tame : 
"You'd scarce expect one of my age 
"To speak in public on the stage." 
Robert Meaxs, son of Robert, of Bowdoin degree. 
A more polished son not often you see. 
He built a fine house where the Davids reside, 
But with knotty law-cases was not long tried. 
To LoAvcll he went, and his life there spent, 
And his record is with its chief industry blent. 
Smith and Ci^vgget robes of ermine wore. 
And brief Congressional honors bore. 
Elisha F. Wallace was somcAvhat skilled ; 
Amjrew Wallace, long the Clerk's seat filled; 
And, long-time before him, Frederick French 
Kept the records and papers of the bench. 
Edmund Parker was Justice personified. 
Beloved he lived, more thon honored he died. 
These lawyers all, at Heaven's stern command, 
By "habeas corpus," Death brought to a stand — 
He has the body — but only "in trust" — 
H'taven holds a sure "mortgage of their dust I" 

Further the century's dead to review, 
Let us call of its Teachers an honored few. 
Who was the first one ? I cannot tell, 
Though all would like to know it well. 
Unknowing first teachers or their rules. 
We may first say a word of our first schools. 
Long before school-house the town could aiford 
The ubiquitous school-master "was abroad." 
Each family on the town fund might draw 
At a fixed i-ate, school purposes for ; 
And it was the settlers' highest pride 
To see, gathered around some fireside, 



^ 



-4- 



FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 17 



The chiklren and youth of the neigliborhood, 
Taking lessons by the light of pitch-pine wood. 
Esquires Campbell, Segomb, Ellinwood, Brooks, 
Taught many a bi-ight boy, who had no books, 
In these night schools, (perhaps did some flog) 
Where blazed the fire with hugh back-log. 
Besides those named who early taught here 
Some true home-names on our records appear : 
Fisiv, Fletcher, Fulller, Ki.mball and Barnes, 
Melexdy, Underwood, Barron and Stearns. 
And in days less remote names none forget : 
Chickeking, Kendall, Stewart, Smith, Clagget, — 
With Stephen Holmes and William Appleton, 
Whose courses, so brilliant, so quickly run, — 
And quaint Eben Weston, the teacher who wrote 
A poem historic, which I might well quote. 
For he a faithful portraiture drew 
Of all the parents his school-district knew. 

And other fine teachers, not Amherst-born, 
Gathered laurels here our tale to adorn : 
Amherst's only Academy — the Aurean — 
With Appleton its short life began. 
Bowdoin's President, who such honor gained, 
Whose family long after with us remained. 
Then followed AValker, Staniford, Moore, 
And with Cole the Aure.an closed its door. 
It came to a premature end, we are told. 
Medical diagnosis — "a want of gold '." 
At west of the town, Dodge — David and Asa— 
Were accomplished teachers for their day. 
A very fine penman, David made 
Fine penmanship his professional trade, 
And copies he set for those he thus served, 
For their beauty and grace, are still preserved. 
At Charlestown (Bay State) he long was Town Clerk, 
And its records show some excellent work 



IH FRAC.RANT MEMORIES. 



Abel F. Hfldreth, of Derry renown, 

Er.st kept in the old Court House of the town. 

Tliither an embryo President went — 

Young Frank Pierje — on wisJora bent. 

And, reciting his "amo, amas, amat," 

Glanced at the girls with the glint of a cat! 

But teacher worthy our highest honor 

Is our town-historian, the late John Farmer. 

He needs no towering stone to tell 

His life's-work, done so nobly well! 

And yet there are due him from town and State 

Honors that are shown to the good an 1 great. 

And can we forget Ann Orr in our search, 

Name more than fragrant with the "oil of birch ?" 

Or, one-handed, heartless John Bennett, who 

Gave us, coi'porally, more than our due! 

Nor stutt'ring Wallace, long pride of the Plain, 

Worthy lawyer Sliattuck's daughter to gain ; 

Gifted Jonas Merriam, our school-days' delight. 

Devoted to study to the loss of his sight; 

Or, EuWARu Humphrey, of honored name. 

Who from another Amherst came ; 

Misses Wheat, and Clark and H. A. Train — 

When shall we look on their like again ? 

Noble the work, indeed, these teachers wrought 

For the town they .served and the pupils taught ! 

Where, where are these fond teachers ? Gone, all gone 

Where truants and torments are nevermore known. 

Save here and there one who stand on the shore 

Awaiting the boatman to take them o'er. 

Next on the list we beg leave to name 
Tlie dead of Esculapian fame. 
Among the first who with saddle-bags rode 
Pills, powders dispensing, was Doctor Cod. 



FRAGRANT MEMORIES. 11) 



Not liking the name, with him they began 

To add to the Cod what made it Codman. 

A curiouss medicine-man was he, 

Dispensing than powders his fun more free. 

When called, he first took a dram, then a bed 

Till the fuddle was a little out of his head, 

Then viewed his patient, a prescription made. 

And closed his visit with a joke or trade. 

Once returning, an inquisitive student asked 

Of his patient's disease the cause and caste. 

"Eating eggs, sir," he answered. "But what tells?" 

"Why, call it eggs always when seeing the shells !" 

The Doctor abroad, an order was sent, 

And the inquisitive student quickly went, 

And retui-ning, the Doctor desired to be 

Informed of the sick man he went out to see. 

"He's swallowed a colt," was the cool return — 

"Swallowed a colt! but how did you learn ?" 

"Why call it colt aways," he retortingly said, 

"When saddle and bridle ai'e under the bed !" 

To this unique Dr. Cod has been ascribed the fame 

Our out-town districts so oddly to name : 

"Straddle-Pole," — Cricket Corner" below — 

"Upper Flanders," and old-time "Skinner's Row," 

Where all the one-coated men, it is said, 

A poor man's life contentedly led. 

Then there was Seth Ames — brother of Fisher — 
Of very fine mind, of all a well-wisher. 
Brilliant and skillful, but strangely enough. 
His "post mortem" shew the trouble was — Snuff ! 

Moses Nichols, from Reading, was a worthy M. D., 
And a wide and long practice here had he. 
The same who at Bennington proved his skill 
With pills and powder intended to kill! 
His son Moses, too, M. D. signed his name, 



20 KEAGRAXT MEJIOEIES. 



And, sire-like, had professional fame. 

To Sherbrook went this young medical Moses, 

And there his dust in much honor reposes. 

Nathaniel Henchman, of Lynn, an M. D., 

(^ame hither to practice in year '83, 

In 1800 dying, he left a son. 

Who, the degree of his father, also, won. 

Feeble, he went South, but soon came home, 

At thirty-two to tenant the cold tomb. 

Dr. Samuel Curtis we knew in our youth — 

A man of much skill, large wisdom, and truth. 

And his most worthy, last-wedded wife. 

With his thirteen children, departed this life. 

He was the mcst unique, comical M. D. 

To us it ever was given to see. 

Not deeply to the medical profession wed, 

Sometimes he dispensed physic, and sometimes bread : 

Sometimes made soap, and oft dabbled in law; 

Smoked bacon, in brick, with an iron door; 

And as postmaster served for most of the towns 

Within Hillsborough County's present bounds: 

And more than this, to the State, for eight years. 

He gave the first Register that in it appears. 

A worthy degree from Harvard he bore, 

Skilled Surgeon in the Seventy-six war. 

And, during the latter years of his life, 

A pension blessed him and his excellent wife, 

John Muzzey, — Reuben's son, Reuben D.'s father, 

An M. D. of much skill, was in practice here 

Eight years, and in 1800 removed 

To Peterborough, and there as here he proved 

A gentleman of unblemished mien. 

In whom ever the Christ was clearly seen. 

Ror.ERS Smith, in the Northwest Parish born. 

For four years rode as physician in town. 



-.J. 



HIAGKANT ME.MUEIES. 



He left us in eighteen hundred and eight. 
Dying at Weston, in the Orecn Mountain State. 
In no wise more honered was he than to be 
Sire of that scholar, — Rev. Asa D. 
These physicians, so true with powder and pill, 
Tlio "last sickness" took, in spite of their skill. 

( )f Printers who their last "impressions" have made, 
And whose cold "forms" in tlieir cold "beds" are laid. 
It will not take long the l)rief roll to call. 
But time would fail to tell their good "points" all. 
CovKRLY first, Avith his Gazettk, appears. 
Then Bigelow and Sam Cushixg, with Messengebs, 
Then Joseph Ci'shing came with his Cabinet, 
(Which your humble servant is printing yet.) 
RiCH.vRD BoYLSTON in The Cabinet sat early, long. 
And earnestly hoped his years to prolong. 
For he ardently longed for this da-y's light. 
But went to his resting without the sight. 
Mansuk and his TELKGKArH next appear, 
And Wells & Sea ton Hebald the rear. 
From the Telegraph came the brilliant Hugh Moore, 
Whose brilliancy faded at twenty-four. 
Would we could just turn the dial hand's back 
And see the fine author of "Old Winter * * alack." 
And from the Herald, George Kendall went 
To the Pic.vyune, and to it his sunny-side lent. 
These printers their "impressions" true all made, 
And now, their "forms" are all well "laid;" 
"Locked up" by Death, they sleep, our pride, 
"Proved," "revised," and, we trust, "justified." 

Of Traders whose traffic forever is o'er, 
And who the last time have "shut up the store," 
We pass not a few, they come up by score*. 
Claiming a naming, from Death's damp dooi-s. 



22 FRAGRAXT MEMORIES. 



Pastor WiLKiNs' son John was the first who made 

H^re sailing goois a professional trade. 

The stores in those days were not as stores now, — 

One I'oom in a dwelling-house, pasked any how! 

Few were the articles kept in them to sell, 

And one small apartment sufficed very well. 

H's was in his fatlier's south-west corner room. 

With everytliing callel for, from p"pe to peeled broom! 

(Captain Dana asked leave a store to bu'ld, 

In '85, west-side of the "Training Field." 

(Is this the secret of the Read Store of old 

Standing so markedly "out in the cold?") 

He then sold goods, as h's honor, bright. 

In the old house removed by Jonathan Kn-ght. 

Robert Cu\rk, Josh. Cleaves both stores did attend 

"At the Second New-Hampshire Turnpike's end." 

One Cutler traded in Upper Flanders, 

Till, frightened renegade, he cuts and wandei's. 

Nathax Kendall, too, kept there a full store. 

Well known and lionoi-ed the wliole I'cglon o'ei'. 

( )ne day at his counter a tow-haired boy 

Fi-om Merrimack, calleil to ask for employ. 

And that modest lad in his growth became 

The John Farmer of wide historic fame. 

Later, Luther D. Brooks — D. for Dana — 

Had a store above, near where the highway 

Makes a sharp turn as ti-avellers then went 

To Mont-Vernon, or for northern towns bent. 

He after, this store removed to the Plain, 

Where, by Brooks & Brown, it was opened again. 

Robert Means, the elder, from Ireland came, 

And won in trade an enviable name. 

At first his goods, in a pack, to the door 

Of the scattered settlers, in hand, he bore; 

And when here, from Londonderry, he came, 



FUAGBANT MEMORIES. '2ii 

Ha brought to his store a very wide fame. 

David MuGregork, true "chip of that block," 

Succeeded, as well, to his father's stock. 

And here in trade, widely-known, many years 

In the firm Spalding & Means or alone appears. 

Successful and cherished, as was his sire, 

Until by death he was called up higher. 

Reads — Robert, William and Robert his son. 

Were heredite traders our people among. 

Noble men, who did much to gain for the town 

Its thrift, popularity, and wide renown. 

Read & Spalding's sign long stood o'er the door 

Of the old hut-capped, square "Read Store." 

Both these men went to "The Village" below. 

Which now, by their aid, as a city we know. 

But, earlier traders than some of those named: 

Whiting, Farewell, Robert Fletcher, were famed, 

And Captain Brown, (Eli) once so cruel 

As to challenge young Boylston to fight a duel. 

Failing, less honorable satisfaction he sought, 

But far the worst of the club-duel caught! 

Further and later, 'twill suffice to recall 

Prior, the Shepards, Sloan and Small. 

(Prior was Post-master and kept his store 

By Atherton's law office, south one door. 

Ami twine made, and large orders received. 

At the farm where the late George Gardner livetl.) 

Miss Sally Low and the smart Wakefield girls 

Furnished to ladies dress, bonnets and curls. 

With Aiken, Eb. Lawrence, Underbill, John Moor, 

Blancilvrd and Boylston, — the rest we pass o'er. 

Five stores and five taverns once kept open bars. 

With tempting array of decanters and jars! 

Those were the days of "free rum," sure. 

But what they sold was the "Simon pure !" 



•i* 



FRACR.VNT MEMORIES. 

We are not joking in making a boast 
That of Landlords Aruhei-st has had a host. 
Taverns in times old were two miles apart — 
At each you mus.t call, and drink ere you start ! 
Of the early landlords who fame here won 
Are Whiting, Snow, Crocker and Morbisox, 
Smith, Emerson, Curtis — and south of the place 
French, Adams, Lund, Eaton, Rhoads and M.ace.- 
Langdell, Whitcomb, Lawrence, an I latjr far 
The Nutts — all pa.ssed on to the accounting Bar. 

Fragrant the memory of landlords Curtis and Ray- 
Would they were caterers for us to-day. 
Dr. Curtis in breeches of leather 1 see. 
With ruff, and buckles on shoe and on knee; 
And a leathern pocket, for snuff, by his side. 
From which his longings were often supplied. 
Esquire Ray was always sweet, neat and trim 
As that choice little rose whicli we call prim — 
With his powdered hair, and its well-kept cue. 
His long dressing-gown, and his welcome true. 
And house, stables and yards, all as a pin neat. 
As hostelry it ever ranked — complete ! 
Of Haunnond his son, and Hannah, his mare, 
'T would be pleasant to sp.-ak — but I forbear. 

.Jolly sight was seen on a Winter's night 
Around those bar-room fires, blazing so bright 
They needed or cared for no other light: 
Wide-circling the rousing fire would set 
A company one seeing would never forget. 
But time to-day will not suffice me to tell 
The stories and fun they passed round so well. 
Or, how the red-hot pokered mug of flip 
Was oft passed around for the mutual sip. 



FKAGR.'^NT MEMORIKS. '2,) 



To put the tii'st last, is soiiietiiues allowed, 
And so we must deal with this hostelric crowd. 
HiLDKETH kept house where the Joneses reside, 
The first Town Church and its Court House beside; 
And he, or something he kept at his place, 
Had a wonderfully harmonizing grace. 
For, when at town-meeting they disagreed, 
An adjournment, "to Hildreth's west room made 
For half an hour," worked like a charm, 
And it seldom fiiiled to quiet the storm ! 
And, in Court-time, by watering the Jury 
He marvelously helped that to agree! 

Of those who have sought to make of us men 
By cutting our clothes to the best of their ken, 
TuGK and Lane, long ago, close fits would give, 
And so would Monsieur Peter Deceive. 
Of this "tailleur" we know but this more 
That he said he once drummed in Bonaparte's wips 
In base-drumming he made a great display, 
And the Company that had him on Muster-day 
Would always carry the crowd away. 
Thomas M. Benden, an Old-Country man. 
Was fond of good living, his kennel and span. 
And Scotch Hugh Moore was a pattern true 
Of Tailor, AVatchmaker, and Gunsmith too. 

Of Painters who have laid their last coat on. 
And gone where glossing is never done, 
Were Nichols, Curtis, Low and Leavitt, 
For those early days, an artistic set. 

Of Joiners already joined to the dead 
Barker, Tiiom.\s and Emerson take the head. 
With Andrew Leavitt, the first who made 
The slatted house-blinds, with their grateful shade; 



* — — — 

2() FKAOBAXT MEMORIES. 



Anil I'iji-ht gool men, of excellent skill, 

Wctx- MiiiRRisox, Elliots, Cobi'kv and Hill, 

iVml we must not p;xs» musical Tom Haktsiiokn. 

VVlio in love with a fiddle was doubtless born. 

He useil to play at Cliureli and at balls. 

And for danclng-pai'tles had lots of calls. 

He worked on the meeting-house in '78, 

Ami otl played at dances until i|Uite late. 

( >ne night, thus late, on the way to his home. 

He heard the evolves ai-ouiid him roam; 

And, tind'ng that they were upon his tivick. 

He mounted a rock, for fear of the pack, 

Tlie hungry rascals yell round it and yearn, 

And |^>oor Tom, he do'nt know which way to tuni '- 

Whichever way looking, their glare he sees, 

As they prowl around among the big trees. 

Dut a lucky thought — "music has a charm 

Savage breasts, perhaps savage beasts, to calm! 

Grown brave with the thought, Tom tips his liddle. 

And, to his best, gives them Yankee Doodle ! 

As on red-coats before, it worked to a charm, 

And .safe, tho' well-frightened, he reached his home. 

Of all who ever a waxed-end drew, 
(Hd WaHnek made the best-fitting shoe. 
One would be deemed almost out of his wits 
To go to a dance without one of his fits. 
Wiley, Porter, Kexdrick, Melendy, Melvix, 
Were excellent workmen, excellent men. 
Uut, of all worthy Crispans, none ranked higher 
Than that prince of jokers, Converse (Josiah). 
Wherever, whenever he came around 
La lighter and mirth were sure to abound; 
And, e'en to this day, we oft tell o'er 
The jokes he cracked in the old Read Store, 



fha(;eaxt memoeies. 27 



"H-OBSox'ft choice^' was first — choice wf one muii- 
For our people who ha^l green hides to tan. 
Hobiwn had his vats and ground up his bark 
Where at present resides g«x)d Minister €lark. 
That mill was removed, and its heavy frame 
The Smith house — now Dr. Moore's — became. 
The Chickerinos — Isaac, fiither and son, — 
Were honest, prompt men, and had great run, 
Both were Jacksonians, true as could be. 
And the boys knew the elder as "Old Hickory." 
He put doivM large lots of liidcs in his vats. 
And snared swarms of wild pigeons in his nets, 
Isaac, the younger, would close account take 
Of coin in his pocket his invoice to make 1 
And for his Cabinet always called to pay 
Ere taking his breakfast, on New Years's day ! 
A neighbor, between their house and the mill, 
.Joseph Geoe«e, used some vats to fill. 

In days agone, no more to return. 
When towns all around with jealousy bin-n. 
.\nd, for business and thrift of old Amher.st yearn- 
In the palmy days of the Turnpike fair, 
With its toll-gates, and keepers ever there. 
And latter days of the "New Road" to Weare — 
Four daily, twelve-passenger, six-horse Coaches, 
Here, up and down, made pleasant approaches. 
Foretold by the notes of the winding horn. 
Cheerfully ahead on the breezes borne. 
Old Wheat was first, of whom we will speak : 
He drove to Boston, and back the same week! 
Once, fording the swollen Souhegan, his team 
Was carried away and lost in the stream. 
A monstrous long nose his phiz did adoi'n — 
They said "he blew it, instead of a horn!" 



"28 FKAGRAXT MEMORIES. 



FiHiiii Amherst to Concurd thif- crack whip went, 
And there for a living licop-poles bent, 
And thus wittily his business advertised, 
Showing how truly printers's ink he prized : 

"Here are barrels made, and barrels sold ; 
"He makes the new, and mends the old; 
"And, when his work is tight and neat, 
"He brands his name — Joseph Wheat." 

This Wheat at Charlcstown next is known 

In a MALT-»house — and then Ceied for the town ! 

Then there was Butmax — his horn 1 hear 

Away down by Eph. Fi-ench's, shi'ill and clear; 

And, quick as thouglit, six horses, strong. 

Like soldiers appear, to take him along; 

And, the villagers haste to the Coach, to greet 

f^riends they are expecting there to meet — 

As now to the Railroad station we hie. 

To welcome friends, or, to say, "good bye." 

Other stagemen can only be named. 

Though not less worthy, not less famed : 

Who James Newell knew, or William Lawkence, 

Tbaix, (whose team ran like the moutain torrents,) 

Button, Stevens, Lovejoy, or Sam Vose, 

Will ere their memoi'y divorce ? 

Or, would not now enjoy a ride, 

Upon the high box, such whips beside ? 

Foster, Lancaster, Runnels, Underhill, 
Made true wheels, and a true-bent thill. 

Watson, ("rosby, Dickey, made saddle, trunk, trace, 
An English nobleman's turn-out would grace. 

Of the men of tlie anvil and the sledge, 
I know not who received the pledge 
Thrice made to the anvil that first blest 
The unshod cattle of "SouheganWest." 



.?-- 



FKAGRAXT MEMORIES. 

CuMMixGS shod horses on Meeting-house hill ; 
DuRAXT and Crosby, hy the bavk-mill; 
Whitney, up by the first scales for hay, 
Where they swung the load, to learn what it weigh. 
Danforth and Gardner were also known 
As honest forgers ( !) at south of the town. 

John Bridge, perhaps, and John Fuller, sure. 
Made lots of mahogany furniture. 
The Blanchakds also, fine furniture made. 
And coflins, to order, for the dead ; 
And AViLLiAM Low would build a chair. 
With seat of wood, straw, cloth or hair, 
Wliich tor a hundred years would wear. 

Foster, AVoodward, Woolson, and Moore, 
Had a Watch hung o'er their door. 
Woolson, the ingenious man who made 
Our true town clock, with Luther Elliot's aid. 

Bricks, from their kilns, in heavy loads. 
Were often borne by Brown and Rhodes ; 
And jugs and mugs were made of clay 
By ToLMAN and one Potter Ray. 

KiMBALLS, Blunt and Mace were Hatters; 
And Danforth, Brown, and Blood, Stone-cutters. 

Of Auctioneers, in the days of old, 
.James Roby at large gatherings sold. 
And never of business had a lack, 
(He lived on the farm now owned by Mack.) 
Turner Crooker knew well each "crook and turn,' 
And Maoe, with his mace, had nothing to learn. 
Thomas Kearney was of Scotch-Irish descent. 
And with his brogue his wit well blent. 
He lived in Pond Parish, just where you make 
A sharp turn east, as you near the Lake. 



80 KRAGRAXT MEMOEIKS. 

He rode everywhere, sold everything. 
From table-lJaiuask to tingei-ring. 
At fairs and musters his brogue and fim 
Secured for his goods a very hirge run ; 
Wherever he called, the nuitron's broom dropped, 
And the work all over the house was stopped ; 
And ere he had lett, matron, maiden and maul 
Had with genial Tom Kearney made a trade, 

The JoxsES — Peter and Levi — father and scr. — 
Butcher-carts, with meats, in our boyhood run. 
The father was lean, and the son quite fat. 
But MEET men, and enterprising, "for a' that;" 
And on their high farm, up north of the town, 
(As now at P. W.'s) blood-stock was shown. 
Once, as Levi was driving South with a load. 
He found the Souhegan liigh over the road ; 
And the neighbors cautioned him not to ford, 
But he "knew better!" and scorned their word. 
Riding in till the water was up to his heels, 
He's divorced from his horse and the little wheels ! 
And, his scorned advisers, looking on, greet 
The Colonel safe-anchored, with plenty to eat ! 
But, his prospects quite bad, a boat was sought. 
And butcher and meat ashore were brought. 
On the way, these rogues dropped from the boat 
A fat leg of beef, to see if 'twould float! 
Intending at low water to take it hence, 
And on it feast, at the butcher's expense. 
But not in that light did he see it, quite, 
.Vnd they had to "go in," and bring itjight ! 
For they were more worthj-, in his belief, 
To take a told duck than his leg of beef ! 
DiDYMus P.\RS<>xs — "retjuiescat pace" — 
Though on the fat "sus" thou had'st no mercy ! 



FKAGRAKT MEMORIE"^ 



Ki'ST, up ill "Flanders," aad Goss, on "the Plain," 
Biked bread of which women did ne'er complain — 
But neither will ever "heat up" again. 

Weston was Mason, true man as e'er wrought. 
And true in his calling, as e'er cried, "Mort;" 

Not a Broker's sign here ever appeared 
Till "Timothy Daxforth, Broker," was reared. 

In art Tonsorial, "John the Barber," 
Surnamed Louie, here once made harbor. 
"John-the-Barber" was a tonsor of wit. 
And sometimes made a most capital hit : 
For fun of the thing, the boys once stole. 
From his shop door, John's tri-colored pole. 
On return, he promised "the bearer should be 
Lathered for nothing and shaved free !" 
Nat. Leavitt assayed to shave and cut hair, 
His fun was as keen, but John's art not there. 

Scotian McClinch, in the early days. 
In "Skinner's Row," maile women's stays , 
And the FisKs, down there, did the ladies bless 
With loads of band-boxes, for bonnet and dress ; 
While Mother Grater, on the hill home-farm. 
Made tipets and muffs to keep them warm ; 
And Merriam cut them a coarse or fine comb. 
Jewetts made baskets and peeled birch-brooms; 
Most of the matrons worked their own looms; 
Many a maiden braided the husk-mat. 
And lots of farmers "whipt-the-cat !" 
Cards were made by Holmes, White and Snow, 
And first painted floor-carpets by "Bil-Low." 
William Melendy first, was a cooper, 
And early came here from England's shore, 
From whom have descendeil our Williams four. 
Manning and T.vylor fulled cloth for a trade. 
.\nil the best moderator John Secomb made! 



32 FR VORANT MEMORIES. 

But, I pass the trarles, and open the door 
To a few "ancient and honorable/' now no more, 
M^n ami women in yeai-s of four and five sjore : 

Olil Father Tune, who ne'er tarries to phiy — 
Witli many has dealt in very kind way : 
The mother of "Prophet Jeremiah" saw 
A hundred and one years p^iss o'er 
B>?fore slie went to the "shining shore" ; 
And his sister, Ltdia, was hale and green 
When a full century she had seen; 
And Hanxaii Lovejoy for twenty months moi-e 
Life's love, joy and duty, like Hannah bore, 
Daxiel Campbell, the senior, disappears 
Just as his hundreth birthday nears. 
A stirring life, tiiiet, long, he spent here. 
Surveying the King's townships, far and near. 
I'^very inch of Souhegan West he knew. 
Ami on much of it his own wood grew. 
His wife, who of years saw more than four score. 
Was a worthy pattern of the women of yore. 
Slie spun her own flax, an'l made her own cloth. 
Mounted the pillion and carried it forth. 
Sold it at old Salem, with the proceeds paid 
The mortgage that on the "Holt swamp" laid. 
And, then, in "Straddle-pole" neighborhood, 
Hepset Habtshokx for more than a century stood. 
And might yet, perhaps, had not one-eyed Bill 
Let her slide from the pillion, at foot of the hill : 
That same "Billy Hartshorn" who came to the Plain 
Always on horseback, shouldering his cane. 
1 see him now, as on the Lord's daj' he stood. 
Front the high pulpit, one eye in a hood ! 
He, too, lived to be nigh four score 
Ere he mounted his pillion and cane no moi-e. 



FllAGRANT MEMORIES 

John Brow.v, a Bi-iton, "aiarching; oil" went 
Till nigli a full century he had spjnt. 
And Peter Goss lived to be "very old." 
But, how many years, wc have never been tol 1. 

ExuxT "ye ancient and honorable" all, 
While a few odd names, and odd mortals we call : 

Brooks quietly here their courses have run, 
Sir Isaac;, wife, daughters and son. 
He was a sterling man, and his realy pen 
Worked with much grace for his fellow-men. 
He made, and preserved within his own door, 
The County Records, twenty years or more — 
And his house, as north from the village you j)ass. 
Was the first here lighted with 8x10 glass. 

Bells we have had, of a deep, silver tone, 
Which over the world, their echoes have thrown ; 
On whom, from us gone, high honors have laid. 
Proving the pure mettie of which they were ma le. 

KixGs and Princes here have been known, 
B.iRRoxs and Lords to their rest have gone; 
And among the distinguished ones gone thi'ough, 
Let us "render to Cesar what to Cassar is due?" 
CiBsar (Parker) with face as black as a coal. 
But who had a white wife, we hoj)e a white soul. 
Nor, less honor than due, to To.m Honorable, 
Who had no honor to honor at all. 
He had a coal-black face, and blacker heart, 
And, one night, the "Yankee-boys" made him start, 
He, and his "hoodlum," for some other part ! 
We must not o'erlook "Patience Stanley," so tidy, 
"John Wood-pile," "Old Kifl'," or one "Man Friday" 
That noisy Bill Tuttle, whose talk so vile. 
Driving his cattle, could be heard a mile ; 



KRAGRAXT MEMORIES. 

".Millei" Putnam," nor his little black pup, 
That, barkuig, drove us to the school-house up. 
The old school-house is gone, its glory o'er. 
The little black pup will bark no more. 
And the good miller is passing away, 
Respected and loved, where rogues ne"er stray ! 

Major Bridges we've had, and Bridges less ; 
FoRiis, whom Ave we have had to pass ; 
Fields, with bright lessons all aglow ; 
Hills that have smiled on the meadows below : 
Woods, of all growth, and Wood-wards varied ; 
Lanes, Downs — Marshes in their own growth buried • 
Shepards, with big tlocks in fields and the fold ; 
Temples, and ILalls, with Ushers of old; 
While Greexs, and Purples, and Whitks and Brown 
Have shed their Rays o'er many a Towne. 
And, with the Cash in hand, and credit complete, 
We have always had Means our Bills to meet. 

Exit oddity I — Early gayety, avaunt I 
And with the gay ones we'll close up the count : 

Gay men we've had, and gay women too — 
Early places more gay were scarce and few. 
Where are the gay parties that used to go 
Over to Babboosic, to fish and to row. 
And to feast on the chowders, so savory, fine. 
That they and "Pond John" knew how to combine? 
Where are the fast ones who loved to gad 
Around Mother Thornton's at first run of shad. 
And dance till when they had gone she was glad '.' 
Or, gay lads, lassie,' who, to' the ferries 
Rode, in large parties, to pick whortleberries ? 
Old Death o'er the gay fishers has ferried, 
And the bervy-pickers, picked and buried. 
Where t he school-boys and'girls, who to "Great Rock" 



•J" 



FRAGRAXT MEMORIES. 



Oft Saturdays used togather to walk, 

Or, up to the "Castle," or, over where 

The "Three Sister" maples grew so fair — 

And, retui-ning, tarried at the "Old Beech Tree," 

To carve their names for their children to see ? 

The "Great Rock" remains, tho' much covered o'er. 

The "Old Beech" has fallen to rise no more, 

"The Castle," so famous, is now scarce known. 

The "Three Sisters," spared till middle-life, gone — 

But, the boys and girls, "0 where, tell me whei'e ?" 

For I know not where a half of them are. 

Tempus Firr.iT ! A hundred years and more gone ! 
Four generations of townsmen passed on ! 
And O, how many men of the place 
Have passed beyond our power to trace ! 
And with them much we can never replace. 
For who of this throng can tell me, to-day. 
Where "The Vineyard," with its Eschol clusters, lay? 
Or, site of the rock where the little-drum, snared, 
The welcome news of Independence declared ? 
Or, who can tell us of the "Honey Pot," 
"Forge Hill," or, "Minister's," or Ministerial lot"? 
Or of "Folly Brook," — or, "Cushing's Folly," 
Which still in the "old Bi-ick store" you can see ? 
Or, who can now locate the town's fii'st Pound ? 
Tell where on the Plain its first Church was burned ? 
Where the Screw Factory was ? or, the Frog Pond, 
Where many a lad his skating learned ? 
And, few can tell where saltpetre was made. 
And, none know or care whei-e "Old Kiif " was laid I 
Who knows surely why to our fair lakelet 
Its sweet name, "Pappoosic," the red-men set? 
While the English will ever remain incog. 

Of "QUO-QUIN-NA-PASSA-KESSA-NAN-NAG-NOG !" 



^ 



FRAGRANT MRMOI! IK: 



These fragrant memories we iiiiulit recall. 
Till the evening's sweet clews induml us fall. 
But, a host unnamed, though chcrisheil as well, 
We must pass till the next ( ■entcimial I 
And, if tiiere it is given your faces to greet, 
I plelgB that the list shall be made complete ! 

I'ardon the effort, o'er the o- -a^lou to shed 
The fragrant memories of the clierished dead. 
Thickly as Autumn-leaves, come floating still, 
Borne on the breezes, from valley and hill, 
Sweet thoughts of those who h;ive over them trode. 
And in our si.\ temples have woishi])ed God. 
Sleep on, unknowing, and many unknown 
By those of us even to manlnjod grown. 
Except in the deeds of valor ami love. 
As cherished below and recorded above. 
Your tomb-stones may crumble, but we will keep 
Your memories fresh till with you we sleep ; 
And oft, as to-day, your deeds we will tell 
To our children, and e'er l)id them, as well. 
To cherish in story, and cherish in lieart, 
.\nd oft tell to theirs, the tales we impart. 



— ^=C=^'^t£E-4!^<>^ 



Errata. — (Page !•'), top) the wjiole number of enlistments in 
that war exceeded 125. (Page 17) ti;e order of the Teachers of 
the Aurean Academy was. Walker first, then StanifoVd, Moore, 

Appleton, Cole. 



LIBRfiRY OF CONGRESS 



013 997 265 P ^ 




